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Physical Therapy Programs in Tennessee - TN
By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 12th, 2010
The first step in becoming a physical therapist in this state is earning an undergraduate degree. Most students elect to major in biology or kinesiology; however there are other options available. It is best to check with your chosen institution as several have pre-physical therapy programs with an established curriculum to follow. Upon completion of a bachelor’s degree, you must seek a master’s degree in physical therapy. There are a few Tennessee physical therapy schools, and a variety of online options. At this point, you have two options to pursue. You can either choose to take the national physical therapy exam and pursue licensure in Tennessee, or you can further your education by pursuing a doctorate (DPT) degree.
Tennessee Physical Therapist Continuing Education
As for any profession in the healthcare field, physical therapists are required to complete continuing education hours in order to maintain/renew a license. In Tennessee, the requirement is thirty hours every two years. Twenty of these can come from Category 1 and ten from Category 2; categories are defined by the Board. Options for achieving continuing education hours include attendance and/or presentation at a professional conference, publication in an approved professional journal, research related to the dimensions of physical therapy, attendance at journal club discussions, and advanced certifications beyond a current degree level. Of the total of thirty, four must be from education in jurisprudence and ethics. All courses must be approved by the Board of Health and meet its requirements and standards.
Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Physical Therapists in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville and Murfreesboro, Tennessee may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Memorial Hospital, Jackson-Madison County General Hospital and Nashville's Baptist Hospital.©2012 Alliedhealthworld.com All rights reserved.